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Building and Construction Authority

Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI)

Building facades and exterior features require regular maintenance to remain safe for occupants and the public. Carried out by the building owners, the Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI) regime helps detect and address facade deterioration promptly, ensuring continued safety for all.

Last updated 25 March 2026
Upward view of tall glass buildings, illustrating high-rise facades subject to inspection.

Building owners must keep their building facades safe and well-maintained. The Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI), effective since Jan 2022, helps detect and address facade issues early to ensure public safety. It is the responsibility of the building owner to appoint a Competent Person (CP) to conduct the PFI. 

Thumbnail for Using Drones to Conduct Periodic Façade Inspections

Periodic Facade Inspection criteria and process 

Buildings over 20 years old must be inspected every seven years, with specific exceptions. Upon receiving a PFI notice, building owners must appoint a CP to carry out façade inspections. Building owners must also ensure that any defects detected by the CP are promptly repaired. 

More details on PFI inspection requirements and exceptions are provided in the infographic below:

Infographic showing criteria, professionals, and workflow for periodic facade inspections.

Roles and responsibilities of the Competent Person (CP)

A CP is the qualified professional responsible for conducting façade inspections. While a CP may appoint a facade inspector (FI) to assist him in the facade inspection, this must be under the CP's direct supervision and control. The CP must maintain constant accessibility to provide clear instructions and plans to their appointed FI, including:

  • Inspection methodologies

  • Required tools and equipment

  • Detailed checklists

  • Risk assessment and management plans

Upon identifying unsafe façade defects, the CP must immediately notify the Commissioner of Building Control and collaborate with building owners to implement safety measures that mitigate public risks.

Roles and responsibilities of Facade Inspector (FI)

The FI will conduct visual and/or close-range inspection work under the direct supervision and control of the CP. FI must document observations and use tools and methodologies as instructed by the CP, including:

  • Maintaining on-site presence.

  • Immediately reporting any unsafe defects identified.

  • Being accountable for performing duties in accordance with the CP's instructions.

Use of accredited drone service provider for facade inspections

The Commissioner of Building Control (CBC) has approved the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operated by accredited UAS service providers for the visual inspection of building facades. Before carrying out visual inspection using accredited UAS, CPs are required to notify CBC by submitting the UAS approval form [PDF, 265 KB].

CPs must ensure their presence (or that of their supervised FI) during UAS operations. CPs must also personally review all inspection outputs including photographs, images, readings, and reports, and consult specially trained persons when necessary. The industry is encouraged to engage only accredited UAS service providers. These accredited UAS providers can be verified through the Singapore Accreditation Council website.

Note: Under < Search SAC Accredited Organisations >, Enter search text "building facade inspection" (must include in quotes)

Periodic Facade Inspection resources for Competent Persons

CPs who wish to begin PFI will find essential PFI information in the documents below:

Guidelines

FAQs

Forms

Related documents

Periodic Facade Inspection resources for Building Owners

Building owners who wish to begin PFI will find essential PFI information below:

List of Competent Persons (CPs) and accredited Facade Inspectors (FIs) for PFI

FAQs

Forms

Relevant documents

Inform BCA of a fallen exterior feature incident

Under Reportable Matter Regulations 2025, to inform BCA:

  • Call Safety Incident Hotline at 9789 7847 or 9781 6720, within 6 hours after the party first becomes aware, or reasonably suspects, that a safety incident has arisen (Please do not send text messages or media files through SMS or WhatsApp as a means of informing BCA of an incident.)

  • After informing BCA through the phone call, submit the incident report within 24 hours via the Reportable Matters Regulation 2025 - Fallen Exterior Features form

  • Any feedback related to fallen exterior features can be submitted via BCA’s feedback form.